Attention Travellers: Hawaii is weighing a proposal for a distinct tax aimed at tourists
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Heads up for those who are planning or have already booked their holiday trips to Hawaii.
Hawaii, known for its pristine beaches and lush landscapes, may soon become more expensive for tourists. The US state is considering implementing a new climate change fee for visitors, which could see your holiday budget take an unexpected hit.
Hawaii's Governor, Josh Green, has proposed a flat fee of around $25 for hotel check-ins or holiday rentals.
The fee is expected to generate more than $68 million annually if passed.
'It's a minimal price to preserve paradise,' Green told the Wall Street Journal. Supporters of the fee argued that the cost is minimal compared to the environmental damage caused by the influx of tourists on Hawaii's fragile ecosystem.
In 2021, Hawaii received 9.5 million visitors in 2021 despite the US$6 billion Lahaina wildfires.
This move follows a global trend of popular tourist destinations implementing similar fees, such as Venice in Italy, the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, the Pacific island nation of Palau, and, most recently, Bali, which have all introduced tourist taxes.
These fees are typically used to fund environmental preservation and sustainable tourism initiatives.
In Bali, for instance, foreign nationals must pay a fee of 150,000 rupiah (about AUD 15) upon or before arrival. It is in addition to the existing $50 visa-on-arrival payment.
Indonesia’s Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Made Ayu Martini explained that the levy would improve waste management, preserve cultural sites, and contribute to more sustainable tourism.
Meanwhile, Governor Green's proposal isn't the first attempt to impose additional costs on Hawaii's visitors. In 2022, he proposed a $50 entry fee for tourists, but the proposal failed to gain the necessary votes.
'All I want to do, honestly, is to make travellers accountable and have the capacity to help pay for their impact,' he said in an interview in 2023.
The proposed tax underscores a growing concern among popular tourist destinations worldwide. The environmental impact can be significant, with visitor numbers often far exceeding local populations.
'We get between nine and 10 million visitors a year, (but) we only have 1.4 million people living here. Those 10 million travellers should be helping us sustain our environment.'
While the proposed fee may add to the cost of a Hawaiian holiday, it's a small price for preserving the natural beauty that draws millions of visitors to the state each year.
As responsible travellers, it's crucial to understand the impact our visits can have on these beautiful destinations and contribute to their preservation.
What are your thoughts on the proposed tourist tax in Hawaii? Have you encountered similar fees in other destinations? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Hawaii, known for its pristine beaches and lush landscapes, may soon become more expensive for tourists. The US state is considering implementing a new climate change fee for visitors, which could see your holiday budget take an unexpected hit.
Hawaii's Governor, Josh Green, has proposed a flat fee of around $25 for hotel check-ins or holiday rentals.
The fee is expected to generate more than $68 million annually if passed.
'It's a minimal price to preserve paradise,' Green told the Wall Street Journal. Supporters of the fee argued that the cost is minimal compared to the environmental damage caused by the influx of tourists on Hawaii's fragile ecosystem.
It may seem like an additional cost, but it’s for a good purpose. Image credit: little plant/Unsplash
In 2021, Hawaii received 9.5 million visitors in 2021 despite the US$6 billion Lahaina wildfires.
This move follows a global trend of popular tourist destinations implementing similar fees, such as Venice in Italy, the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, the Pacific island nation of Palau, and, most recently, Bali, which have all introduced tourist taxes.
These fees are typically used to fund environmental preservation and sustainable tourism initiatives.
In Bali, for instance, foreign nationals must pay a fee of 150,000 rupiah (about AUD 15) upon or before arrival. It is in addition to the existing $50 visa-on-arrival payment.
Indonesia’s Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Made Ayu Martini explained that the levy would improve waste management, preserve cultural sites, and contribute to more sustainable tourism.
Meanwhile, Governor Green's proposal isn't the first attempt to impose additional costs on Hawaii's visitors. In 2022, he proposed a $50 entry fee for tourists, but the proposal failed to gain the necessary votes.
'All I want to do, honestly, is to make travellers accountable and have the capacity to help pay for their impact,' he said in an interview in 2023.
The proposed tax underscores a growing concern among popular tourist destinations worldwide. The environmental impact can be significant, with visitor numbers often far exceeding local populations.
'We get between nine and 10 million visitors a year, (but) we only have 1.4 million people living here. Those 10 million travellers should be helping us sustain our environment.'
While the proposed fee may add to the cost of a Hawaiian holiday, it's a small price for preserving the natural beauty that draws millions of visitors to the state each year.
As responsible travellers, it's crucial to understand the impact our visits can have on these beautiful destinations and contribute to their preservation.
What are your thoughts on the proposed tourist tax in Hawaii? Have you encountered similar fees in other destinations? Share your experiences in the comments below.
